Dear Fellow State of Montana Health Plan Member

STATE OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION

BRIAN SCHWEITZER, GOVERNOR

Phone: (406) 444-7462 /(800) 287-8266 100 N PARK AVE SUITE 320 TTY (406) 444-1421 PO BOX 200130 Fax: (406) 444-0080 HELENA, MONTANA 59620-0130 http://benefits.mt.gov/default.mcpx

Dear Fellow State of Montana Health Plan Member,

The State of Montana Health Care Plan is pleased to present the NEW Healthy For Life weight management SELF-STUDY module for plan members. The Healthy For Life SELF-STUDY module is designed to assist members who are interested in working on their own to take control of their weight and be Healthy For Life!

Congratulations on taking this important step towards a better future for yourself and your loved ones. We have an exciting program that you will tailor to meet your individual needs.

Take some time now to think of what you’d like to accomplish as you move through the program, and that you devote the time necessary for success. You will set 3 initial goals for yourself. 1. The first goal should relate to weight loss. 2. The second goal should relate to exercise. 3. The third goal should relate to another healthy habit of your choice (sleeping, tobacco cessation, stress, spirituality, etc.).

Please read all the enclosed information carefully. You will note that the benefits available through the self-study module are not the same as those available in the intensive program. The intensive program requires application and acceptance into one of our two program cycles each year. If you are interested in the intensive program, please fill out that contract and return it to our office. We will notify you of the status of your application in the process.

Again, welcome to Healthy For Life! If you have any questions at any time during the course of the program, please call our office right away. We are happy to help.

Sincerely,

Kim Pullman, RD, LN Debra Rapaport, RN, BSN Wellness Coordinator Nurse Case Manager HFL Program Leader HFL Program Leader

Guidelines for Participation

“AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER” Healthy For Life (HFL) Weight Management Program – SELF STUDY MODULE The Healthy For Life Program is for members who are ready and able to devote the time needed for successful lifestyle change, and are insured with the State of Montana Health Care Plan. It is very important for the integrity of the program and required for end-of-program reimbursement that you follow it on schedule – webinars once per week for the first sixteen weeks, etc. The time between webinars is necessary for you to build skills and work on your goals. The features available through the self-study program are unlimited – you may work through the program, download the resources and view the webinars as many times as needed.

Where do I begin? 1. Schedule each of the HFL sessions on your calendar. You will schedule these according to your personal schedule as the recordings are available at any time. You MUST watch them at the pace specified. It is tempting to go more quickly, but the time between is very important for you to work on your goals and build your skills. The first 16 weekly webinars form the core of the program. Schedule a consistent time that will work for you to watch the webinars each week for 16 consecutive weeks, so you can stay on track. Following the weekly webinars, you will need to schedule the 6 monthly webinars and a graduation webinar on your calendar. Please note that the dates and additional requirements given on the webinars will not apply to you – since this was recorded in a live setting, it will be up to you to translate the information given for your self-study use. Each webinar will be one hour or less and conducted on the Internet in a recorded format. An example of a year’s calendar for the SELF-STUDY program is below, to give you an idea of the time involved. Weekly Webinars Monthly Webinars 1) August 1, 2011 1) December 21, 2011 2) August 8, 2011 2) January 18, 2012 3) August 15, 2011 3) February 15, 2012 4) August 22, 2011 4) March 21, 2012 5) August 29, 2011 5) April 18, 2012 6) September 5, 2010 6) May 16, 2012 7) September 12, 2011 8) September 19, 2011 Graduation Session 9) September 26, 2011 7) June 20, 2012 10) October 3, 2011 11) October 10, 2011 12) October 17, 2011 13) October 24, 2011 14) October 31, 2011 15) November 7, 2011 16) November 14, 2011 2. Schedule at least three hours per week to exercise. Exercise can take any form you choose, but you should include a combination of cardiovascular (aerobic) exercise, strength training and flexibility. 3. Depending on your needs, you may want to schedule face-to-face counseling through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). All State of Montana employees are eligible for four (4) free face-to-face sessions by making an appointment with an in-network provider.

of 3 4. Please download all program materials from www.benefits.mt.gov/somhealthyforlifeprogram.mcpx and have them with you for each webinar - we recommend putting this in a 3-ring binder. You should have:  Guidelines for Participation (this document).  A copy of a calorie counter booklet, or access to a web site that provides this information. Some free web sites include www.sparkpeople.com, www.caloriecount.about.com, www.fatsecret.com, or you may order a Calorie King book (which is referenced in the webinars, but NOT required) here: www.calorieking.com.  A copy of the webinar slides.  Food and Fitness Journal.  Weight Chart. 5. Please put a copy of your health screening results from a screening prior to beginning the self-study module into your binder or notebook. You will need these at the end of the program if you request reimbursement, and they are also a great way to track changes in your health due to your Healthy For Life activities. 6. Be sure to notify your doctor that you are participating in this benefit. 7. On the date that you choose, begin to watch and listen to the webinars, following the instructions given during the webinars to begin with the food and fitness log and weight chart. 8. At the end of a year, follow the instructions on the graduation webinar if you wish to apply for the Healthy For Life reimbursement and have met those requirements.

For Questions Healthy for Life Program Telephone: (406) 444-7462 ~ Toll Free: (800) 287-8266 E-mail: [email protected]